Our laboratory uses the mouse as a mammalian model to decipher the genetic control of complex traits which result from interactions between multiple genes and non-genetic factors. We are primarily focusing on the susceptibility to several bacterial and viral infectious diseases, in particular to life-threatening emerging pathogens. Our approach is to take advantage of the genetic variation present in collections of mouse strains derived from intersubspecific crosses. We combine in vitro and in vivo strategies to identify susceptibility genes and analyze ther function. Our current interests are in Zika virus and SARS-CoV-2.
We are also interested in the host genetic control of serological response to vaccines using the seasonal influenza vaccine as a paradigm.